Do hiring managers and recruiters still read cover letters these days? There is a lot of conflicting advice out there about whether cover letters are still necessary or worth the time to write when applying for jobs.
According to Resume Genius, 83% of surveyed hiring managers “always” or “frequently” read cover letters, and 45% read an applicant’s cover letter before their resume.
So, should you be submitting cover letters? The answer is – it depends. There are scenarios where including a cover letter with your job application is more effective than others. Unless the job application requests you not to submit one, follow these general rules when it comes to utilizing cover letters.
When to Use a Cover Letter
To share extra information beyond your resume - The best use for a cover letter is to supplement your resume. A cover letter is a great place to include extra information relevant to your career or job search that doesn’t quite have a place on your resume.
For example, if you have worked in agronomy sales for the last decade but are ready for a more research-based crop science role, you could use the cover letter to explain why you are applying to a job so different from the rest of your experience and why you are qualified.
Or, for example, if you’ve lived in Illinois for your entire career but are now looking to move to the northeast, you can include this in your cover letter.
To explain career gaps or transitions - If your career has gaps or a fair number of transitions, especially ones that would make a hiring manager skeptical, a cover letter can allow you to address those gaps or transitions upfront. For example, if you took a 3-year employment gap to be a stay-at-home parent, include that in your cover letter.
When you’ve been referred by an employee - If a current employee of the company you’re applying for has referred you for the position, the cover letter is a great place to include the name of that person and your relationship with them.
When Not to Use a Cover Letter
Summarizing what's on your resume - If you don’t have any extra information you want to share with the hiring manager beyond what’s on your resume, you don’t need to submit a cover letter. Rewriting your resume into paragraphs does not provide any additional intel for the recruiter or hiring manager, so in this case, don’t waste their time, or yours, with a cover letter.
Using a generic cover letter or template - Avoid submitting a "cookie cutter" template filled with cliche statements stating that you are a fit for the position and are excited to join the company. You may be thinking, isn’t submitting a generic cover letter better than none at all? Not necessarily. The hiring manager already knows that you are excited about the opportunity and that you think you are a fit – that's why you’re applying for the job. Keep these types of statements to a minimum in your cover letter, with the majority of the document containing supplemental information about your skills, background, etc.
Cover Letter Tips
Personalize your cover letter – You can start with a generic template for writing your cover letter, but we recommend taking a step further to customize the cover letter and give it your own personal touch. You also want to tailor it to each position and company you apply for, highlighting your most relevant skills and experience.
Customize the greeting - When addressing your cover letter, instead of using “Dear Sir or Ma’am,” or “Dear Hiring Manager,” do some research to see if you can find the name of the company’s hiring manager. If so, address them by name in the cover letter. “Dear Hiring Manager,” is your next best option if you can’t locate an exact name.
Keep it concise - Recruiters and hiring managers are often reviewing up to hundreds of resumes for a single job opening. That said, you want both your resume and cover letter to be concise enough that a recruiter could skim them and quickly identify if you would be a qualified candidate. Keep your cover letter to a single page (ideally, 3-4 short paragraphs), only including the most essential details.
Conclusion
Cover letters can be a great tool to supplement your resume when used correctly. It’s a way to tell your story and further sell yourself to the recruiter or hiring manager. If you do submit a cover letter, be sure to take ample time to polish and proofread it. A cover letter that’s sloppy or full of typos can have the exact opposite effect on helping you land that next interview.
Remember, at the end of the day, if it’s a job you're really excited about, taking the extra time to create a tailored cover letter is never a bad idea to help you stand out from other applicants.
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